Fire family have new home in time for big day

Toni Harris, her partner Matt Gregory and their sons Ryan Harris, aged six, and 18-month-old Jack Gregory lost everything in the fire that ripped through their home on November 23. But now the family have moved to a new property in Remembrance Road, just in time for the big day, thanks to the fast work of Sandwell Homes.

Miss Harris, 25, had just put some clothes in the tumble dryer at her Carrington Road home when it burst into flames at 10.30 on the Saturday morning. She said: "It was terrifying. Luckily the children were in the living room, and my first thought was them. I just grabbed them and got out. It just all happened so fast, I just did what I needed to do to make sure the children were safe." The fire destroyed the ground floor, and caused extensive smoke damage upstairs.

Miss Harris said she was devastated to have lost so many personal items, including her children's hospital bracelets from when they were born, and family photos. The young mother, who has recently completed a degree in childhood and family studies at Wolverhampton University, and Mr Gregory, 26, a carer, said they tried to keep things as normal as they could for their children.

She said: "It was hard, particularly for Ryan, because he understood what had happened and had lost his toys, and he had only recently had his bedroom done." The couple were convinced they would not have a home for Christmas, but thanks to council chiefs, they moved into their new three-bedroom home last week.

She said: "We were so worried we would be located far away from family and friends, but being here, we are so close to them. And it is a lovely house, with a garden, so we are very pleased. We are very grateful to Sandwell Council for sorting it out so fast. "

Sandwell Council's housing boss Councillor Hackett said: "I am delighted that the family have been settled in so quickly and that they will be comfortable in a new home for Christmas."